HSDAX vs. VISTX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HSDAX (Hartford Short Duration Fund) and VISTX (Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund) are both Short-Term Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, HSDAX returned 2.59%/yr vs 2.45%/yr for VISTX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HSDAX charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for VISTX.

Performance

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Short Duration Fund (HSDAX) and Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund (VISTX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HSDAX achieves a 0.92% return, which is significantly higher than VISTX's 0.81% return. Over the past 10 years, HSDAX has outperformed VISTX with an annualized return of 2.59%, while VISTX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.45% annualized return.

HSDAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 0.92%
• 6M: 1.28%
• 1Y: 4.57%
• 3Y*: 5.37%
• 5Y*: 2.46%
• 10Y*: 2.59%

VISTX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 1.12%
• 1Y: 4.28%
• 3Y*: 5.14%
• 5Y*: 2.50%
• 10Y*: 2.45%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HSDAX Hartford Short Duration Fund	0.92%	6.10%	5.03%	6.14%	-5.04%	-0.05%	3.80%	6.08%	0.36%	2.18%
VISTX Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund	0.81%	5.68%	5.56%	4.98%	-3.73%	-0.04%	3.92%	4.20%	1.83%	1.42%

Correlation

The correlation between HSDAX and VISTX is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2016	0.64

The correlation between HSDAX and VISTX shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HSDAX vs. VISTX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HSDAX

HSDAX Risk / Return Rank: 82
HSDAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
HSDAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
HSDAX Omega Ratio Rank: 89
HSDAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
HSDAX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VISTX

VISTX Risk / Return Rank: 94
VISTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
VISTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
VISTX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
VISTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
VISTX Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Short Duration Fund (HSDAX) and Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund (VISTX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	HSDAX	VISTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	3.25	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.71	5.40	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.63	1.75	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	5.00	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.79	20.81	-5.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HSDAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the VISTX Sharpe Ratio of 3.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HSDAX and VISTX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HSDAX	VISTX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	3.25	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.12	1.35	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.15	1.67	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.30	1.71	-0.41

Drawdowns

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HSDAX drawdown since its inception was -10.19%, which is greater than VISTX's maximum drawdown of -5.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HSDAX and VISTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HSDAX	VISTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.19%	-5.64%	-4.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.32%	-0.86%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.32%	-0.86%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.63%	-5.64%	-1.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.19%	-5.64%	-4.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-0.08%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.68%	-0.69%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.29%	0.21%	+0.08%

Volatility

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Short Duration Fund (HSDAX) has a higher volatility of 0.64% compared to Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund (VISTX) at 0.39%. This indicates that HSDAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VISTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HSDAX	VISTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	0.39%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.47%	0.87%	+0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93%	1.33%	+0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.20%	1.87%	+0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.27%	1.47%	+0.80%

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HSDAX has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than VISTX's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

HSDAX vs. VISTX - Dividend Comparison

HSDAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, less than VISTX's 4.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HSDAX Hartford Short Duration Fund	4.38%	4.26%	3.43%	2.71%	2.03%	1.36%	2.08%	2.60%	2.55%	2.27%	1.74%	1.67%
VISTX Vanguard Institutional Short-Term Bond Fund	4.46%	4.53%	5.03%	3.91%	1.76%	1.85%	2.33%	2.72%	2.32%	1.78%	1.51%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HSDAX and VISTX in my portfolio?

HSDAX and VISTX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HSDAX or VISTX?

HSDAX has higher volatility (0.64%) compared to VISTX (0.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HSDAX dropped -10.19% vs VISTX's -5.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VISTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs 2.38), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.